Endeavour's last stop

October 12, 2012 2:21 PM

Photo: Courtesy photo / Toyota

Image 1of/49

Caption

Close

Image 1 of 49

A welcome home sign is displayed on the turn as space shuttle Endeavour leaves Los Angeles International Airport hangar onto the streets in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los Angeles International Airport hangar en route to the California Science Center, its ultimate destination, said Benjamin Scheier of the center. less

A welcome home sign is displayed on the turn as space shuttle Endeavour leaves Los Angeles International Airport hangar onto the streets in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip ... more

Photo: Lawrence K. Ho, Associated Press

A welcome home sign is displayed on the turn as space shuttle... Photo-3583251.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Christopher Locke, center, and Betty Schreiber look at the space shuttle Endeavour from their office in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's two-day, 12-mile (19 kilometer) road trip to the California Science Center where it will be put on display kicked off around midnight Friday. Rolled on a 160-wheeled carrier, it left from a hangar at the Los Angeles International Airport, passing diamond-shaped "Shuttle Xing" signs, and reached city streets about two hours later. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

Two sanitation workers take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los Angeles International Airport hangar en route to the California Science Center, its ultimate destination, said Benjamin Scheier of the center. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

Two sanitation workers take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los ... more

Photo: Jae C. Hong, Associated Press

Two sanitation workers take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour... Photo-3583260.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 7 of 49

A China Eastern Airlines jet flies near the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's two-day, 12-mile (19 kilometer) road trip to the California Science Center where it will be put on display kicked off around midnight Friday. Rolled on a 160-wheeled carrier, it left from a hangar at the Los Angeles International Airport, passing diamond-shaped "Shuttle Xing" signs, and reached city streets about two hours later. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

A China Eastern Airlines jet flies near the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's two-day, 12-mile (19 kilometer) road trip to the California Science Center where it will be ... more

The space shuttle Endeavour sits in a strip mall near Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los Angeles International Airport hangar en route to the California Science Center, its ultimate destination, said Benjamin Scheier of the center. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

The space shuttle Endeavour sits in a strip mall near Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it ... more

Spectators gather to watch the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los Angeles International Airport hangar en route to the California Science Center, its ultimate destination, said Benjamin Scheier of the center. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

Spectators gather to watch the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los Angeles ... more

Vendor Mitch Warner sells the space shuttle Endeavour posters as spectators gather to look at the shuttle in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's two-day, 12-mile (19 kilometer) road trip to the California Science Center where it will be put on display kicked off around midnight Friday. Rolled on a 160-wheeled carrier, it left from a hangar at the Los Angeles International Airport, passing diamond-shaped "Shuttle Xing" signs, and reached city streets about two hours later. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

A couple poses with a street sign temporarily removed prior to the transfer of the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight Thursday as it moved from its Los Angeles International Airport hangar en route to the California Science Center, its ultimate destination, said Benjamin Scheier of the center. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

A couple poses with a street sign temporarily removed prior to the transfer of the space shuttle Endeavour in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road trip kicked off shortly before midnight ... more

The space shuttle Endeavour sits in a strip mall in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's two-day, 12-mile (19 kilometer) road trip to the California Science Center where it will be put on display kicked off around midnight Friday. Rolled on a 160-wheeled carrier, it left from a hangar at the Los Angeles International Airport, passing diamond-shaped "Shuttle Xing" signs, and reached city streets about two hours later. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) less

The space shuttle Endeavour sits in a strip mall in Los Angeles, Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's two-day, 12-mile (19 kilometer) road trip to the California Science Center where it will be put on display ... more

A crowd gathers to watch the space shuttle Endeavour begin its trip from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center, in Los Angeles, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour will be towed 12 miles through the dense urban landscape of Los Angeles, past streetlights and trees, on its way to retirement at the science center. less

A crowd gathers to watch the space shuttle Endeavour begin its trip from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center, in Los Angeles, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour will be towed 12 miles ... more

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests... Photo-3583237.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 16 of 49

Photographers take pictures of the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Photographers take pictures of the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Photographers take pictures of the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it... Photo-3583236.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 17 of 49

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests... Photo-3583235.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 18 of 49

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests... Photo-3583234.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 19 of 49

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests... Photo-3583233.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 20 of 49

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests... Photo-3583232.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 21 of 49

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the next two days, the 170,000-pound (77,272 kg) shuttle will travel at no more than 2 mph (3.2 km per hour) along a 12-mile (19km) route from Los Angeles International Airport to its final home at the California Science Center. NASA's Space Shuttle Program ended in 2011 after 30 years and 135 missions. AFP PHOTO/JOE KLAMARJOE KLAMAR/AFP/GettyImages less

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests during its first temporary stop at Westchester square during its final ground journey in Los Angeles, California on October 12, 2012. Over the ... more

Photo: JOE KLAMAR, AFP/Getty Images

Spectators come to watch the Space Shuttle Endeavour as it rests... Photo-3583231.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 22 of 49

A parking sign with restrictions is posted in a mall parking lot as the space shuttle Endeavour waits to start its 12-mile 2 day road trip throught the streets of Los Angeles County on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

A parking sign with restrictions is posted in a mall parking lot as the space shuttle Endeavour waits to start its 12-mile 2 day road trip throught the streets of Los Angeles County on October 12, 2012 in Los ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

A parking sign with restrictions is posted in a mall parking lot as... Photo-3583230.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 23 of 49

One of hundreds of street signs temporarily removed for the 12-mile road trip of space shuttle Endeavour is used as prop as a family gets their picture taken with the orbiter parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

One of hundreds of street signs temporarily removed for the 12-mile road trip of space shuttle Endeavour is used as prop as a family gets their picture taken with the orbiter parked in a mall parking lot on ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

One of hundreds of street signs temporarily removed for the 12-mile... Photo-3583227.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 24 of 49

A Los Angeles resident wearing a large button showing space shuttle Endeavour flying over downtown Los Angeles gets up close to the orbiter parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

A Los Angeles resident wearing a large button showing space shuttle Endeavour flying over downtown Los Angeles gets up close to the orbiter parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, ... more

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a... Photo-3583225.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 26 of 49

The space shuttle Endeavour is parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

The space shuttle Endeavour is parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the ... more

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a... Photo-3583223.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 28 of 49

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

&nbsp;Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour... Photo-3583222.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 29 of 49

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

&nbsp;Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour... Photo-3583221.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 30 of 49

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

Spectators take pictures of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a... Photo-3583220.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 31 of 49

Crowds gather to get a glimpse of the Space Shuttle Endeavour along Manchester Blvd., as it is transported to California Science Center on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Crowds gather to get a glimpse of the Space Shuttle Endeavour along Manchester Blvd., as it is transported to California Science Center on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo: Pool, Getty Images

Crowds gather to get a glimpse of the Space Shuttle Endeavour along... Photo-3586222.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 32 of 49

People gather near a shuttle crossing sign and a freeway sign that was taken down to make room as the space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX on its last flight ever on September 21. From there, it was transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be on permanent public display. Completed in 1991, Endeavour was built to replace the space shuttle Challenger which disintegrated during a catastrophic re-entry accident. This fifth and final space shuttle orbiter circled the earth 4,671 times and traveled nearly 123 million miles during its 25 missions from 1992 to 2011. less

People gather near a shuttle crossing sign and a freeway sign that was taken down to make room as the space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles ... more

Photo: David McNew, Getty Images

People gather near a shuttle crossing sign and a freeway sign that... Photo-3586221.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 33 of 49

Spectators gather to see the space shuttle Endeavour when it stops for a while near Randy's Donuts as it is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX on its last flight ever on September 21. From there, it was transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be on permanent public display. Completed in 1991, Endeavour was built to replace the space shuttle Challenger which disintegrated during a catastrophic re-entry accident. This fifth and final space shuttle orbiter circled the earth 4,671 times and traveled nearly 123 million miles during its 25 missions from 1992 to 2011. less

Spectators gather to see the space shuttle Endeavour when it stops for a while near Randy's Donuts as it is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport ... more

Photo: David McNew, Getty Images

Spectators gather to see the space shuttle Endeavour when it stops... Photo-3586220.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 34 of 49

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX on its last flight ever on September 21. From there, it was transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be on permanent public display. Completed in 1991, Endeavour was built to replace the space shuttle Challenger which disintegrated during a catastrophic re-entry accident. This fifth and final space shuttle orbiter circled the earth 4,671 times and traveled nearly 123 million miles during its 25 missions from 1992 to 2011. less

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California... Photo-3586217.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 35 of 49

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX on its last flight ever on September 21. From there, it was transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be on permanent public display. Completed in 1991, Endeavour was built to replace the space shuttle Challenger which disintegrated during a catastrophic re-entry accident. This fifth and final space shuttle orbiter circled the earth 4,671 times and traveled nearly 123 million miles during its 25 missions from 1992 to 2011. less

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California... Photo-3586218.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 36 of 49

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX on its last flight ever on September 21. From there, it was transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be on permanent public display. Completed in 1991, Endeavour was built to replace the space shuttle Challenger which disintegrated during a catastrophic re-entry accident. This fifth and final space shuttle orbiter circled the earth 4,671 times and traveled nearly 123 million miles during its 25 missions from 1992 to 2011. less

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California... Photo-3586219.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Image 37 of 49

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX on its last flight ever on September 21. From there, it was transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park where it will be on permanent public display. Completed in 1991, Endeavour was built to replace the space shuttle Challenger which disintegrated during a catastrophic re-entry accident. This fifth and final space shuttle orbiter circled the earth 4,671 times and traveled nearly 123 million miles during its 25 missions from 1992 to 2011. less

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California Science Center in Exposition Park from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour was flown ... more

Photo: Kevork Djansezian, Getty Images

The space shuttle Endeavour is transported to the California... Photo-3586214.50637 - San Antonio Express-News

Joseph Duffield, 26, of Venice, Calif. pretends to hold up the space shuttle Endeavour as he poses for photos in front of the parked shuttle in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 12, 2012. Endeavour's 12-mile road ... more

Mifumi Nakajima (L) takes a picture of her husband Nozomo Nakajima holding their children Leigha Nakajima, 3, and Eli Nakajima, 6 months, in front of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on October 12, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. The space shuttle Endeavour is making the journey from Los Angeles International Airport to the California Science Center to go on permanent public display. Endeavour was transported cross-country atop NASA's Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from Kennedy Space Center in Florida to LAX during its last flight ever on September 21. less

Mifumi Nakajima (L) takes a picture of her husband Nozomo Nakajima holding their children Leigha Nakajima, 3, and Eli Nakajima, 6 months, in front of the space shuttle Endeavour parked in a mall parking lot on ... more

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour flew a total of 25 space missions, with the final one launching in May 2011, and will now serve as a museum showpiece at the California Science Center. less

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, ... more

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour flew a total of 25 space missions, with the final one launching in May 2011, and will now serve as a museum showpiece at the California Science Center. (AP Photo/Katy Winn) less

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, ... more

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour flew a total of 25 space missions, with the final one launching in May 2011, and will now serve as a museum showpiece at the California Science Center. (AP Photo/Katy Winn) less

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, ... more

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour flew a total of 25 space missions, with the final one launching in May 2011, and will now serve as a museum showpiece at the California Science Center. (AP Photo/Katy Winn) less

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, ... more

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour flew a total of 25 space missions, with the final one launching in May 2011, and will now serve as a museum showpiece at the California Science Center. (AP Photo/Katy Winn) less

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, ... more

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Endeavour flew a total of 25 space missions, with the final one launching in May 2011, and will now serve as a museum showpiece at the California Science Center. (AP Photo/Katy Winn) less

Space shuttle Endeavour travels 12 miles through city streets from Los Angeles International Airport to it's final location at the California Science Center, Friday, October 12, 2012, in Los Angeles, ... more

A San Antonio-built Toyota Tundra half-ton pickup truck without any special modifications tows the 150,000 pound space shuttle Endeavour across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge spanning the 405 freeway in Los ... more

A San Antonio-built Toyota Tundra half-ton pickup truck without any special modifications tows the 150,000 pound space shuttle Endeavour across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge spanning the 405 freeway in Los ... more

A San Antonio-built Toyota Tundra half-ton pickup truck without any special modifications tows the 150,000 pound space shuttle Endeavour across the Manchester Boulevard Bridge spanning the 405 freeway in Los ... more